Dental Technology Research Articles

A Deep Learning Approach to Automatic Tooth Detection and Numbering in Panoramic Radiographs: An Artificial Intelligence Study

Objective: n this study, in order to test the usability of artificial intelligence technologies in dentistry, which are becoming widespread and expanding day by day, and to investigate ways to benefit more from artificial intelligence technologies; a tooth detection and numbering study was performed on panoramic radiographs using a deep learning software.
 Methods: A radiographic dataset containing 200 anonymous panoramic radiographs collected from individuals over the age of 18 was assessed in this retrospective investigation. The images were separated into three groups: training (80%), validation (10%), and test (10%), and tooth numbering was performed with the DCNN artificial intelligence software.
 Results: The D-CNN system has been successful in detecting and numbering teeth. of teeth. The predicted precision, sensitivity, and F1 score were 0.996 (98.0%), 0.980 (98.0%), and 0.988 (98.8%), respectively.
 Conclusion: The precision, sensitivity and F1 scores obtained in our study were found to be high, as 0.996 (98.0%), 0.980 (98.0%) and 0.988 (98.8%), respectively. Although the current algorithm based on Faster R-CNN shows promising results, future studies should be done by increasing the number of data for better tooth detection and numbering results.

Materials and Applications of 3D Printing Technology in Dentistry: An Overview.

This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the mechanisms of 3D printing, the dental materials relevant to each mechanism, and the possible applications of these materials within different areas of dentistry. Subtopics within 3D printing technology in dentistry were identified and divided among five reviewers. Electronic searches of the Medline (PubMed) database were performed with the following search keywords: 3D printing, digital light processing, stereolithography, digital dentistry, dental materials, and a combination of the keywords. For this review, only studies or review papers investigating 3D printing technology for dental or medical applications were included. Due to the nature of this review, no formal evidence-based quality assessment was performed, and the search was limited to the English language without further restrictions. A total of 64 articles were included. The significant applications, applied materials, limitations, and future directions of 3D printing technology were reviewed. Subtopics include the chronological evolution of 3D printing technology, the mechanisms of 3D printing technologies along with different printable materials with unique biomechanical properties, and the wide range of applications for 3D printing in dentistry. This review article gives an overview of the history and evolution of 3D printing technology, as well as its associated advantages and disadvantages. Current 3D printing technologies include stereolithography, digital light processing, fused deposition modeling, selective laser sintering/melting, photopolymer jetting, powder binder, and 3D laser bioprinting. The main categories of 3D printing materials are polymers, metals, and ceramics. Despite limitations in printing accuracy and quality, 3D printing technology is now able to offer us a wide variety of potential applications in different fields of dentistry, including prosthodontics, implantology, oral and maxillofacial, orthodontics, endodontics, and periodontics. Understanding the existing spectrum of 3D printing applications in dentistry will serve to further expand its use in the dental field. Three-dimensional printing technology has brought about a paradigm shift in the delivery of clinical care in medicine and dentistry. The clinical use of 3D printing has created versatile applications which streamline our digital workflow. Technological advancements have also paved the way for the integration of new dental materials into dentistry.

СРАВНЕНИЕ ТРАДИЦИОННОЙ И ЦИФРОВЫХ ТЕХНОЛОГИЙ ИЗГОТОВЛЕНИЯ ЭПИТЕЗА УШНОЙ РАКОВИНЫ

Subject. Digital and conventional technologies for the making of ear epitheses.
 Objectives. To compare different methods of making ear epithesis according to the following criteria: timing, accuracy, ergonomics.
 Methodology. The study was carried out in Department of Propaedeutics and Prosthetics Technologies in Dentistry of DF, at the Moscow State University of Medial Dentistry named after A.I. Evdokimov. The students – volunteers' auricles were scanned with three different smartphone apps, two intraoral scanners and a facial scanner. 
 Results. The 3D image obtained using a smartphone camera is comparable to models obtained using facial scanners, and the scanning process is simple and does not require special skills. Facial scanners are expensive equipment that require careful maintenance and certain skills for proper operation. Intraoral scanners are not initially designed for the production of facial epitheses; they partially capture the surface of interest, which requires operator intervention, which eliminates the accuracy of the manufactured structure. The conventional method is the least ergonomic, labor-intensive and requires professional competencies and skills in modeling the complex anatomy of epitheses.
 Conclusion. The most user friendly for making the ear epithesis was smartphone scanning, because in this case required minimal intervention by a operator for finishing the image of 3D copy healthy auricle of the patient.

DENTAL IMPLANTATION AFTER RECONSTRUCTION OF TOTAL AND SUBTOTAL DEFECTS OF THE UPPER AND LOWER JAWS

Medical and social rehabilitation of patients with total jaw defects is an urgent surgical problem for maxillofacial surgeons. Cicatricial deformities, functional disorders of anatomical structures after resection are a difficult task for reconstructive surgery. It is impossible to achieve positive results without the use of digital technologies, a review of the methods of «digital dentistry» (CAD-CAM modeling and 3D printing) on clinical examples.The aim of the study was to investigate the necessity of using digital technology in prosthetic patients with subtotal and total jawbone defects.Materials and methods. The review provides examples of complex dental rehabilitation of patients with a detailed description of clinical and laboratory procedures, photographs and X-ray studies.Results. An illustrative clinical example confirms the high value and significant role of computer simulation in complex clinical cases and situations. The presented technique made it possible to restore the former quality of life of patients, which indicates its high development today.Conclusions. Clinical examples confirm the effectiveness of the use of digital dental technologies, prosthetics on implants in maxillofacial surgical dentistry. In the future, these methods will be improved through the introduction of new materials, workflow optimization and improved design accuracy using CAD-CAM and 3D modeling technologies.

The effect of dentures on oral health and the quality of life

Dentures, as versatile dental prostheses, wield a multifaceted influence on individuals' lives, profoundly affecting both their oral health and overall quality of life. The clinical manifestations of denture-related concerns encompass a spectrum of physical, psychological, and functional dimensions. Physically, dentures restore masticatory function and address aesthetic concerns, bridging the gap between tooth loss and oral functionality. Psychologically, they elevate self-esteem and reduce social anxiety, facilitating enhanced self-confidence and improved social interactions. Functionally, dentures enhance articulation and speech clarity, enabling effective communication. Effective denture management, in the contemporary landscape of dental care, involves a comprehensive approach that combines precision, technology, hygiene, and patient education. Digital dentistry techniques ensure precise denture fitting, and advanced technologies facilitate regular check-ups, leading to well-fitting, comfortable dentures. Meticulous denture hygiene practices prevent oral health complications. Patient education empowers individuals to maintain their oral health effectively, while addressing psychosocial concerns remains a crucial empathetic dimension of patient care. In conclusion, dentures have evolved as transformative solutions for individuals facing tooth loss, addressing clinical manifestations related to impaired oral function, aesthetic concerns, and psychosocial challenges. Modern denture management embraces the latest dental technologies, hygiene practices, and patient-centered approaches to optimize outcomes. Staying current with advancements in denture care ensures that these dental prostheses continue to enhance oral health and overall well-being effectively, reaffirming their indispensable role in modern dentistry.

Factors That Influence the Adoption of Digital Dental Technologies and Dental Informatics in Dental Practice

The factors affecting information systems and technology have become a growing topic in many disciplines. This study focuses on factors affecting the adoption of digital dental technologies and dental informatics in dental practice. There are limited studies in the literature on factors that affect the adoption of digital dental technologies (DDT) and dental informatics (DI). Understanding the factors is important for the success of the adoption of technologies. Therefore, this study aims to fill that gap. This paper reviews peer-reviewed literature to analyze factors that affect the adoption of digital dental technologies (DDT) and dental informatics (DI) and critically examines an array of technology acceptance models to unveil the underlying determinants of DDT and DI adoption. Usability and practical considerations, work efficiency factors, socioeconomic and organizational aspects, aspects of the learning curve, and system design are the most important factors influencing the adoption of digital dental technologies and dental informatics. The study results identified the conceptual framework for the factors affecting the adoption of digital dentistry.

ZApprO versus ZÄPrO: Ergebnisse einer ersten Vergleichsstudie

ZusammenfassungHintergrundMehr als 60 Jahre nach dem Erlass der ersten Approbationsordnung für Zahnärzte (ZÄPrO) trat im Jahr 2020 eine neue Approbationsordnung für Zahnärzte und Zahnärztinnen (ZApprO) in Kraft. Ziele dieser Untersuchung waren die Evaluation und ein Vergleich der auf den unterschiedlichen gesetzlichen Grundlagen basierenden Lehrveranstaltungen „Kurs der Technischen Propädeutik“ (TPK) und „Zahnmedizinische Propädeutik mit Schwerpunkt Dentale Technologie“ (ZPDT).MethodenNach Abschluss der Veranstaltungen wurden folgende Parameter untersucht: (1.) theoretisches und praktisches Wissen, (2.) reguläre fachbereichsinterne Evaluation durch die Lernenden, (3.) spezielle Evaluation der Lernbedingungen aus Sicht der Lernenden und (4.) aus Sicht der Lehrenden. Die theoretischen und praktischen Prüfungen und die Fragebögen wurden hinsichtlich ihrer teststatistischen Kenngrößen (Schwierigkeit, Trennschärfe, interne Konsistenz) analysiert. Gruppenvergleiche zwischen TPK und ZPDT erfolgten durch t‑Tests für unabhängige Gruppen.ErgebnisseLediglich bei der Evaluation zur Erfassung der speziellen Lernbedingungen aus Sicht der Lernenden konnten signifikante Unterschiede festgestellt werden, wobei die theoretische und praktische Wissensvermittlung im TPK niedriger als im ZPDT bewertet wurde.DiskussionDie vergleichbaren Ergebnisse der Wissensüberprüfungen und der regulären Evaluation, trianguliert mit der umfangreichen Evaluation durch Lernende und Lehrende, ermöglichten eine umfassende Beurteilung beider Veranstaltungen. Die ermittelten signifikanten Unterschiede eröffnen Möglichkeiten zur Optimierung des neu implementierten ZPDT-Kurses.

Special Issue on New Techniques, Materials and Technologies in Dentistry

Dentistry has seen significant technical and technological advances in recent years [...]

Full mouth prosthetic rehabilitation using hobo’s philosophy: A case report

The face, which is the part of the body that is most exposed, has the mouth as a prominent feature. The allure of the teeth draws all eyes. Some patients with collapsed bites were required to have all of their teeth extracted and replaced with traditional complete dentures because rehabilitation techniques' efficacy was questioned in the 20th century. The occlusal surfaces of a patient's teeth will gradually deteriorate over the course of their lifetime. But excessive occlusal wear can result in pulpal injury, occlusal discord, functional impairment, and aesthetic deformity. Thanks to improvements in dental technology, equipment, and materials over the last millennium, the task of restoring and rehabilitating the damaged dentition has gotten simpler. This has given restorative dentists the ability to maintain teeth and associated structures. Establishing optimal oral health should be the main objective of all rehabilitation procedures because maintaining oral health and safeguarding the stomatognathic system will always be the end goal. The report's case study serves as an illustration of Hobos' full mouth rehabilitation technique.

Dental Case, a Brazilian Serious Game for Supporting Decision-making in the Dental Clinic: A Case Study

Background: Games are intrinsic to society and are used to represent a wide variety of human activities. Contemporary society has been digitalized, and the habit of playing games has naturally migrated to the digital environment. The use of digital games in education, where they are known as serious games, has given rise to the introduction of new educational approaches for dental students and dentists, which complement traditional approaches. A brief conceptual outline of games can help broaden our understanding thereof in social and educational contexts. Objective: To report the designing and development of a serious game for decision-making in clinical case management in the field of dentistry, for use as a complementary teaching tool. Method: The method used was a case study to describe the development of the content and narrative of a Brazilian serious game for decision-making in the dental clinic, called Dental Case. A player in Dental Case takes on the role of a dentist during a consultation, with the mission of completing the steps of anamnesis, clinical examination, complementary examination, diagnosis, and treatment. The clinical cases presented in the game were designed to resemble real-life decision-making situations in the dental clinic of a primary healthcare setting. The content developed was reviewed and validated by specialists, from both a technical and pedagogical point of view, and then included in the game software by an information technology (IT) team. Results: Dental Case was developed from a set of clinical cases. The game targets dental professionals and students, and its goal is to lend support to the teaching of decision-making in the different stages of clinical care. The game is freely available on the web, and on the Play Store and Apple Store mobile application platforms. Conclusions: The resources made available by Dental Case constitute a new complementary pedagogical approach, and a tool for the application of educational technologies in dentistry, which can contribute to expanding the scale and reach of educational activities. Future research is warranted to investigate the effectiveness of Dental Case in promoting learning and should include an evaluation of its performance by its users.

Applying machine learning to assess the morphology of sculpted teeth

Background/purposeProducing tooth crowns through dental technology is a basic function of dentistry. The morphology of tooth crowns is the most important parameter for evaluating its acceptability. The procedures were divided into four steps: tooth collection, scanning skills, use of mathematical methods and software, and machine learning calculation. Materials and methodsDental plaster rods were prepared. The effective data collected were to classify 121 teeth (15th tooth position), 342 teeth (16th tooth position), 69 teeth (21st tooth position), and 89 teeth (43rd tooth position), for a total of 621 teeth. The procedures are divided into four steps: tooth collection, scanning skills, use of mathematical methods and software, and machine learning calculation. ResultsThe area under the curve (AUC) value was 0, 0.5, and 0.72 in this study. The precision rate and recall rate of micro-averaging/macro-averaging were 0.75/0.73 and 0.75/0.72. If we took a newly carved tooth picture into the program, the current effectiveness of machine learning was about 70%–75% to evaluate the quality of tooth morphology. Through the calculation and analysis of the two different concepts of micro-average/macro-average and AUC, similar values could be obtained. ConclusionThis study established a set of procedures that can judge the quality of hand-carved plaster sticks and teeth, and the accuracy rate is about 70%–75%. It is expected that this process can be used to assist dental technicians in judging the pros and cons of hand-carved plaster sticks and teeth, so as to help dental technicians to learn the tooth morphology more effectively.

Revolutionising dental technologies: a qualitative study on dental technicians’ perceptions of Artificial intelligence integration

BackgroundThe integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry has the potential to revolutionise the field of dental technologies. However, dental technicians’ views on the use of AI in dental technology are still sparse in the literature. This qualitative study aimed to explore the perceptions of dental technicians regarding the use of AI in their dental laboratory practice.MethodsTwelve dental technicians with at least five years of professional experience and currently working in Malaysia agreed to participate in the one-to-one in-depth online interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns, themes, and categories within the interview transcripts.ResultsThe analysis revealed two key themes: “Perceived Benefits of AI” and “Concerns and Challenges”. Dental technicians recognised the enhanced efficiency, productivity, accuracy, and precision that AI can bring to dental laboratories. They also acknowledged the streamlined workflow and improved communication facilitated by AI systems. However, concerns were raised regarding job security, professional identity, ethical considerations, and the need for adequate training and support.ConclusionThis research sheds light on the potential benefits and challenges associated with the integration of AI in dental laboratory practices. Understanding these perceptions and addressing the challenges can support the effective integration of AI in dental laboratories and contribute to the growing body of literature on AI in healthcare.

Assessment of hearing performance of dental technicians due to the professional noise exposure

BackgroundSome of the noise-intensive processes in dental laboratories include the finishing of crowns, bridges, and removable partial dentures; blowing out workpieces with steam and compressed air; and deflating casting rings. High sound pressure levels are also present in dental vibrators, polishing equipment, and sandblasters. The aim of this study was to Evaluation of the effect of noise production in dental technology laboratory on dental technician hearing capacity.MethodsFor this cross-sectional study, a total of 120 dental technicians were chosen. Otoscopic evaluation and the Weber test were used to establish if they had sensorineural or transmission hearing loss at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, and 4000 Hz, respectively. Then an OAER (objective auditory evoked response) and PTA (clinical aurimeter) test were administered (Neurosoft, Russia). The whole procedure was carried out by an audiologist and an ENT specialist.ResultsThe PTA results showed that the patient had mild hearing impairment overall, with the loss being more severe in the left ear than in the right. The OAE test results revealed that in-ear of the left side, 84.5% of subjects passed and 15.5% of subjects struggled and were referred to an ear specialist, whereas in the right ear, 82.7% of subjects passed and 17.3% struggled and were referred to an ear specialist. According to this study, in a right-handed study participant, the ear on the left side is more vulnerable than the right side. Differences in the mean hearing threshold at 4000 and 6000 Hz in the left ear were statistically significant in the groups of workers with eleven to fifteen years of practical experience and twenty-one to twenty-five years of practical experience, respectively (Minervini, et al. J Clin Med 12:2652, 2023).ConclusionsA statistically meaningful threshold shift from 4000 to 6000 Hz is observed as the working experience grows, and this is suggestive of sensorineural hearing impairment brought on by the noisy dental environment.

The Opinion of Dental Technology Students about the Harmful Effects of the Materials Used During Practical Training and Means of Prevention

In the process of training in the special academic disciplines dental technology students are exposed to the harmful effects of various materials, volatile substances and dust particles. All of above can cause allergies, diseases of the respiratory system, neurological diseases, etc. The purpose of the present article is to study whether the students of the “Dental Technician” Educational Sector are familiar with the fact that some of the materials used in their practical training have a harmful effect on the body as well as to give information about means of prevention students can use. A sociological method using a specially designed for the purpose questionnaire was used to achieve the goal of this scientific study. The survey was conducted using Google forms in June 2023 and was distributed among first, second and third year (62.39 % in the study stage) Dental Technology students at the Medical College subordinate to the Medical University of Varna. For the presentation of the results a graphical analysis was used. It was found that a very large number of students know about the harmful effects of some of the materials they work with and more than half of them are worried about their health; not all of the students use protective equipment and there are some who do not use protective equipment at all ( 12.20 %). The following recommendations have been made to the educational institution and to the respondents based on the results, the conclusions and the students’ suggestions: it is recommended that the aducational laboratories are equipped with a central and individual aspiration system (for each working space), aspiration above worktops and fireplaces, hoppers for crushing the packaging mass when releasing the cast dental structure; students are also adviced to use personal protective equipment – uniforms, protective gloves, glasses, masks, helmets.

Perceptions of orthodontic residents toward the implementation of dental technologies in postgraduate curriculum

BackgroundDental technologies have increasingly been implemented in orthodontic practice to offer better experiences for orthodontists and patients, however, there is no scientific evidence yet whether which technologies should be implemented into the postgraduate programs.ObjectivesTo investigate perceptions of orthodontic residents toward the confidence and importance of dental technologies, as well as to determine their necessity in postgraduate programs.Materials and methodsThe online questionnaire was designed to collect data from residents from all accredited orthodontic postgraduate programs in Thailand. The questionnaire consisted of four sections, which were (1) demographic data, (2) self-perceived importance of orthodontic technologies, (3) self-perceived confidence toward orthodontic technologies, and (4) the necessity of orthodontic technologies in postgraduate programs. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation, and a chi-square test.ResultsIntraoral scanner was found to be an orthodontic technology with the highest scores for both self-perceived importance (4.37 ± 0.59) and confidence (4.23 ± 0.75), followed by cone-beam computed tomography, digital treatment planning software, and lab-produced aligners. These orthodontic technologies were also considered as mandatory in orthodontic postgraduate programs. CAD/CAM technologies appeared to be least important, and their training may be arranged as short course training. There was no significant influence of training locations on the necessity of all orthodontic technologies (P > 0.05), except CBCT. Self-perceived importance and confidence in all technologies were found to have significant positive correlations (P < 0.05), except teledentistry and in-office aligners.ConclusionOrthodontic technologies were perceived as important in clinical workflow. Intraoral Scanners, CBCT, digital treatment planning software, lab-produced aligners, and digital modeling software appeared to be necessary for clinical practice and should be considered for orthodontic postgraduate programs, while other technologies may be arranged as short course training. Further research should investigate how to arrange and organize training sessions in orthodontic postgraduate programs.

Surface trueness and precision of interim restorations fabricated by digital light processing and CAD-CAM milling systems

The development of digital dental technologies has enabled clinicians to use additive and subtractive manufacturing techniques to fabricate interim restorations. However, knowledge of the trueness and precision of such restorations fabricated using digital light processing (DLP) and computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) methods is limited. The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess and compare the accuracy of interim crowns fabricated using DLP and CAD-CAM methods. A typodont mandibular first molar was prepared for a ceramic crown, and a digital scan (Medit T500) was obtained to design interim crowns by using the CAD software program. The CAD data were designated as the reference data. A total of 20 crowns were fabricated by DLP and CAD-CAM technology. The fabricated interim crowns were further scanned using a laboratory scanner and were superimposed with the CAD data by using a 3-dimensional (3D) point cloud assessing software program (CloudCompare) for the evaluation of trueness and precision. Root mean square values (RMS) were obtained for the evaluation of discrepancies. The Student t test was used to compare data as the Shapiro-Wilk test confirmed the normal distribution. RMS values for the trueness values of the external and intaglio surfaces of the 3D printed and milled interim crown displayed no statistically significant differences (P>.05). Precision for the external surface reported significance (P<.05), whereas that for the intaglio surface reported no significance (P>.05). The accuracy of interim crowns fabricated by using DLP was comparable with that of milled crowns. Both manufacturing systems produced a true reproduction of the CAD. As for precision, the external surface of the DLP interim crown was statistically different from that of the milled group as it relates to the CAD.

A Comprehensive Review on AI in Endodontics

Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) has substantially grown its presence and importance in many jobs and applications in dentistry, notably endodontics. AI has the capacity to imitate human intelligence to conduct prediction and complicated decisionmaking in the healthcare industry. Dental technology uses artificial intelligence (AI), a relatively recent technology, extensively. Dental professionals have mostly employed AI technologies to diagnose disorders, plan treatments, make clinical judgements, and determine prognoses. Convolutional neural networks (CNN) and artificial neural networks (ANN) are AI models that have been applied in endodontics to study the anatomy of the root canal system, measure working lengths, find periapical lesions and root fractures, forecast the success of retreatment procedures, and forecast the viability of dental pulp stem cells. These all aspects have been reviewed comprehensively in the present article. Moreover, the works of literature stating the advancements in the field of AI in endodontics are studied for the present work. Furthermore, the future predictions and detailed limitations of AI in endodontics are discussed. Additionally, the future scope of the technology has been discussed in detail in the field of Photorealistic 3D Reconstructions and Robotics and Microbots.

The impact of dental operating microscopes on the success rates of endodontic treatments

Recent advancements in dental technology, such as magnification devices like loupes and surgical microscopes, have greatly improved the accuracy and quality of root canal treatments. Dental operating microscopes (DOMs) have become widely accepted in endodontics, providing enhanced visualization and facilitating precise identification of anatomical landmarks, root canal orifices, and pulp remnants. The increased magnification and illumination offered by DOMs have improved treatment outcomes by enabling more efficient removal of bacteria, debris, and obturation materials from the root canal system. Studies have shown that the use of DOMs can significantly increase the success rates of endodontic treatments, allowing for the identification and treatment of even the smallest canals and anatomical variations. Additionally, DOMs enhance ergonomics, patient communication, and documentation in dental practice. However, challenges such as cost and limited office space hinder their widespread use. Increased education and awareness of the benefits of operating microscope utilization are essential for its broader adoption in endodontic procedures.

Patient Satisfaction with Anterior Interim CAD-CAM Rehabilitations Designed by CAD Technician versus Trained Dentist—A Clinical Preliminary Study

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of digital waxing expertise on patient satisfaction with anterior interim computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) prosthetic rehabilitations designed either by a CAD and dental technician or by a dental clinician with basic CAD-CAM training. This in vivo preliminary study was conducted on a total of 18 patients receiving anterior CAD-CAM rehabilitations (at least from canine to canine) with fixed bridges and/or single crowns. Only patients that had conventional chairside temporary restorations were enrolled. Three within-patient groups were defined at different time points: group CONTROL refers to all 18 patients at their first appointment, when they were using their initial temporary conventional prostheses; group DENT refers to all patients immediately after trying in a set of CAD-CAM prostheses designed by a dental clinician (with basic one-week CAD-CAM training); and group CAD refers to all patients after trying in a set of CAD-CAM prostheses for the same tooth elements but designed by an experienced CAD technician (who was also an experienced dental prosthetic technician). All CAD-CAM restorations were milled in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) with high translucency and strength properties (Prime, Zirkonzahn). Satisfaction with comfort and esthetics was assessed for all patients for the three different time points (groups CONTROL, DENT and CAD). Statistically significant differences among groups were assessed with the Friedmann’s test. Group CAD significantly outperformed the other groups in both assessed variables (p = 0.001). The group DENT, in turn, outperformed group CONTROL for satisfaction with esthetics (p = 0.006) but not for comfort (p &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, CAD operator background and expertise level significantly affect patient self-reported outcomes for anterior CAD-CAM rehabilitations. Single crowns and fixed bridges digitally designed by an experienced professional trained in both CAD-CAM and dental technology will likely offer high satisfaction and comfort to patients receiving anterior prosthetic rehabilitations.

Transforming public health dentistry: Exploring the digital foothold for improved oral healthcare

Digital technologies have revolutionized the field of dentistry, offering numerous advantages in diagnosis, treatment planning, education, and patient care. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of digital technologies in dentistry, highlighting their applications, benefits, and future prospects. Technologies allow for precise 3D imaging of dental structures, facilitating virtual treatment planning and guiding the placement of dental implants. Additionally, digital imaging techniques enable the creation of highly accurate digital impressions, eliminating the need for traditional impression materials and improving patient comfort. The review article concludes with a discussion on the challenges and future prospects of digital technologies in dentistry. While digital technologies offer numerous benefits, including improved accuracy, efficiency, and patient outcomes, there are considerations regarding cost, training, and data security that need to be addressed. Nevertheless, with ongoing advancements in digital technologies, the future of dentistry holds immense potential for further innovation and improved patient care.